What was the primary purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau established in March 1865?

The primary purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau, established in March 1865, was to aid former slaves and impoverished southern whites. This organization was created by Congress at the end of the Civil War to assist in the transition from slavery to freedom. Its services included providing food, housing, medical care, education, and legal assistance to those affected by the war.

The Bureau played a crucial role in the initial steps towards rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved individuals into society. It addressed immediate needs in the aftermath of war and set up schools and educational programs to help educate former enslaved people, facilitating their integration into the workforce and society.

Other options do not represent the main focus of the Bureau. For example, while recruiting soldiers was important during the Civil War, it was not the function of the Freedmen's Bureau. The impeachment of Andrew Johnson was a political event that transpired for reasons unrelated to the Bureau's mission. Additionally, while the Bureau was involved in helping to enforce the rights granted by the Emancipation Proclamation, it was not directly responsible for overseeing its terms; rather, it helped implement policies to support newly freed individuals.